System for extracting energy from wind and thermal gradients

ABSTRACT

An inverted funnel-shaped columnar tower ( 115 ) includes a window region ( 120 ), a heat absorbing surface ( 130 ), an air entrance ( 116 ) and exit ( 117 ). Solar energy passes through the window region and heats the heat absorbing surface. A plurality of fans ( 145 ), each connected to a generator ( 150 ), are suspended within the tower and extract energy from convectively rising air, generating electricity. A fan ( 160 ) outside the tower intercepts wind and turns an internal fan ( 145 ′) that aids the convective flow, providing a self-starting feature. A plurality of rotors ( 100 ) with wings ( 705 ) are connected in groups to generators ( 725 ) and all are arranged adjacent the tower. The rotors intercept wind energy and deliver it to the generators for conversion to electricity. The rotors include a flap ( 800 ) that predetermines the direction of rotation of the rotor, providing a second self-starting feature. The convection and wind capture functions operate independently.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Division of Parent application Ser. No.13/757,836, Filed 2013 Feb. 3, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,038,385, Granted 2015May 26.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

Rising fuel prices resulting from decreased fossil fuel resources andthe liabilities associated with coal and nuclear power are placingincreased emphasis on the use of clean, safe, and renewable(non-exhaustible) energy sources. Global warming provides additionalimpetus to find sources of energy that do not pollute the atmosphere.Thus numerous systems are available today that extract energy fromrenewable sources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal,bioenergy, and ocean currents.

The following is a list of some possibly relevant prior art that showsprior-art systems that extract energy from wind and solar sources. Somereferences extract energy from wind only, others from solar only, andsome from a combination of wind and solar. The list below is dividedinto these three categories. Following this list I provide a discussionof these references.

Pat. or Kind Issue or Patentee or Pub. No. Code Pub. Date ApplicantSystems That Extract Energy From Wind  385,674 B1 Jul. 03, 1888 Lockwood1,314,232 B1 Aug. 26, 1919 Wohr 3,902,072 B1 Aug. 26, 1975 Quinn3,920,354 B1 Nov. 18, 1975 Decker 3,922,012 B1 Nov. 25, 1975 Herz4,303,835 B1 Dec. 01, 1981 Bair 4,494,007 B1 Jan. 15, 1985 Gaston5,182,458 B1 Jan. 26, 1993 McConachy 6,749,399 B2 Jun. 15, 2004Heronemus 7,696,635 B2 Apr. 13, 2010 Boone 7,862,290 B2 Jan. 04, 2011Diederich 2008/0093861 A1 Apr. 24, 2008 Friesth et al. 2010/0233919 A1Sept. 16, 2010 Ersoy 2011/0070068 A1 Mar. 24, 2011 Cumings et al.2012/0091727 A1 Apr. 19, 2012 Tsitron 2012/0121379 A1 May 17,2012 Chio2012/0175882 A1 Jul. 12, 2012 Sterling et al. Systems That ExtractEnergy From Solar 5,381,048 B1 Jan. 10, 1995 Baird Systems That ExtractEnergy From Wind and Solar 8,210,817 B2 Jul. 03, 2012 Iskrenovic2006/0016182 A1 Jan. 26, 2006 Comandu et al. 2011/0215583 A1 Sept. 08,2011 Lee et al. 2012/0020788 A1 Jan. 26, 2012 Lucy 2012/0031119 A1 Feb.09, 2012 Ahmad et al. 2012/0049622 A1 Mar. 01, 2012 Young et al.

Lockwood shows a windmill comprising a plurality of orientable sailsthat are suspended between a rotatable assembly of upper and lowerspokes. The sails each pivot about a first axis. The assembly of spokesrotates about a second axis, much like two spoked wheels. A vane,resembling a weather vane, rotates independently about the second axisand orients itself so that its leading end faces into the wind. As thespoke assembly rotates about the second axis, a rack-and-pinion gearsystem connected to the vane and the sails continuously reorients thesails about the first axis with respect to the orientation of the vanein such a way as to maximize the extraction of energy from the wind bythe spoke assembly that holds the sails. Although its principle ofoperation is straightforward, this system is complex and contains manyparts.

Wohr shows a vertically-oriented windmill having a plurality of movablesails. The sails are attached to an assembly of upper and lower spokedwheels that rotate together about a central axis. Each sail is rotatablysuspended between the upper and lower spokes along one edge so that itis free to swing and rotate about that same edge. A cam arrangementlimits the range of rotation of the sail so that on one side of thespoke assembly the flat side of the sails is constrained to face theapproaching wind, while on the opposite side of the spoke assembly theflat side of the sails is parallel to the flow of the wind. Sailslocated between these two extremes assume intermediate orientations. Acam-and-spring assembly permits the sails with their flat sides facingthe wind to swing freely, thereby avoiding damage to the windmill inhigh-wind conditions. As with Lockwood, this system is complex andcontains many parts.

Quinn shows a large, vertically-oriented windmill for generatingelectricity. Upper and lower horizontally disposed circular members aresecured together and rotate on a common axis. The lower member is aplatform that is supported from below by a housing. A plurality ofvertical blades are interposed between the two members. Each bladeincludes a central pivot about which it can pivot. A weather vaneprovides wind direction information to an electronic circuit. As themembers rotate about their axis, an electronically-controlledarrangement of gears urges the vanes to pivot so that their flat sidesface the wind on one side of the platform and are perpendicular to thewind on the opposite side, extracting energy from the wind. A centralshaft is connected to a generator, producing electricity. This system iscomplex, large, and contains many parts that contribute to its centralrotating unit.

Decker shows a vertically-oriented windmill. A plurality of spokes holda plurality of flaps that are suspended at their upper edge and allowedto swing between a horizontal position and a vertical position. In thevertical position the flaps block the wind, causing the windmill toturn; in the horizontal position wind passes through between the flaps,exerting no appreciable force. This combination produces a torque aboutthe axis of the spokes, causing the windmill to rotate. The axis isconnected to a generator for the production of electricity. As with allthe previous windmills, Decker's contains a large number of parts in itsone rotating unit.

Herz shows a submersible power generator for converting the energy ofdeep ocean currents, tidal flows, river channel currents, and the liketo electricity. A plurality of impeller blades are hingedly attached toa plurality of spokes that are connected to a rotatable shaft thatdrives a generator. Each blade intercepts the water current in a firstrotational position, and trails freely in a second rotational position.In addition, when the blade is moving from the second rotationalposition to the first rotational position, the blade swings radiallyoutward against a stop, thereby imparting additional momentum to theblade as it turns. While Herz's apparatus operates in a manner similarto the windmills described above, it is designed for use under water.Its basic concept is an improvement over the large systems describedabove in that each rotating spoked part comprises a small number ofcomponents so that a plurality of spoked parts can be combined foradditional output, if desired.

Bair shows a wind powered generator that rotates about a vertical axis.A plurality of vertically disposed airfoils are each pivotable around avertical axis. An electro-mechanical system orients the airfoils tooptimally extract energy from the wind. As before, a large number ofindividual parts comprise a single rotating unit. In addition, thissystem is complex.

Gaston shows a wind machine that is similar to Wohr and Quinn. Aplurality of vertical blades are suspended between two spoked wheels. Avane senses the direction of the wind and orients the blades for optimalextraction of energy from the wind. A central shaft is connected to thespoked wheels and to a generator for generating electricity. WhileGaston's system is simpler than some of those discussed above, it isstill complex.

McConachy shows a high-altitude tower wind generating system. Aplurality of vertical, cascaded mast sections are connected byarticulated joints. A plurality of propeller-like rotors are mounted onthe mast sections. A generator is connected to each rotor. Anarrangement of guy wires ensures that the tower will remain intact inhigh-wind conditions. This system is primarily concerned with a singlemast construction that is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioningsystem.

Heronemus shows a vertical array wind turbine comprising an array ofpropeller-like wind turbine rotors mounted on a tower which, in turn, isrotatably secured to a fixed pole. The tower rotates so that the rotorsface into the wind. The need to yaw the entire tower is a critical partof this system. A platform at the base of the tower rests on bogies,i.e., a plurality of low, sturdy carts, with pneumatic tires. Guy cablesbetween the tower and the base of the tower keep the tower upright,however the diameter of the base of the tower is determined by theoutward reach of the guy wires. When the system is exposed to the wind,the fixed pole and the base of the tower must provide a restoring torqueto counter the torque applied to the tower and rotors. The limitedoutreach of the guy cables and the torque on the tower causes most ofthe torque to occur at the base of the pole. Thus an extraordinarilystrong mount is required for the pole. The use of pneumatic tires posesan additional risk since the tires will undoubtedly require replacementover time.

Boone shows a wind turbine comprising a vertically rotating shaft and aplurality of horizontally disposed, box-shaped wind catchment vanes. Theboxes are mounted at a first end of the shaft and a generator is mountedat the other end. The boxes are oriented so that a line connecting thetop and bottom is horizontal, i.e., the box is tipped 90-degrees on itsside. At the bottom of the box is a flap. The flap pivots about its topedges, opening and closing the bottom of the box under predeterminedconditions. A flap is free to pivot upward when urged by the windstriking the outside, bottom of the box, leaving the box open to passthe wind with little resistance. When the box is oriented so that windenters its top, the flap inside is urged downward against the bottom ofthe box where it is restrained from pivoting further, thereby causingthe box to obstruct the flow of air. The asymmetry produced by an openbox on one side of the shaft and a closed box on the other side of theshaft produces a torque that causes the shaft to turn. The flaps inboxes at intermediate positions relative to the wind direction assumeintermediate positions between open and closed.

Diederich shows a fluid energy-harnessing apparatus with a plurality ofmovable wind foil vanes that move around a track. The apparatus issuitable for use in water or in air. The vanes are positioned to resistthe flow of advancing wind on one side of the track, and to pass theflow of advancing wind on the other. The resultant forces cause thevanes to move around the track. The vanes are connected to a chain drivethat turns a shaft connected to a generator. This system is complexmechanically and requires many parts.

Friesth shows a multi-turbine airflow amplifying generator. A pluralityof generating modules are affixed to a tower. Each module contains twoturbines. Each turbine employs two rotors that are coaxially aligned bya shaft connected to an in-line generator. A first rotor is contained ina proximal channel with a leading portion having decreasing radiustoward the first rotor, thereby adding to the air flow to a secondrotor. The second rotor is positioned at the leading edge of a diffuserwith radius increasing with distance from the second rotor. The modulesare rotatably mounted on the tower so that they can yaw and maximize airflow through the turbines and channels.

Ersoy shows a plurality of vertically-oriented sails attached to a rotorthat drives a generator. Each sail houses a plurality of flaps that arepivotable about their upper edge and are constrained to pivot within a90-degree range. When wind strikes a “positive” face of a sail, theflaps assume a “closed” or vertically downward position so that the windurges the sail to turn the rotor. When wind strikes a “negative” face ofa sail, the flaps assume an “open” or horizontal position, allowing thewind to pass freely therethrough. The flaps on each sail open and closeaccording to their position relative to the wind direction, thus urgingthe rotor to rotate and generate electricity.

Cumings shows a fluid turbine device comprising a rotatable verticalblade assembly with a plurality of blades that are mounted on a shaftand housed within an angularly positionable, partially open, shapedshroud. As fluid flows past the entire assembly, the shroud's shapecauses the shroud to assume a position such that the fluid flow isdiverted away from the return path of the blades as the blade assemblyrotates, thereby improving efficiency of the overall unit. The shaft isconnected to a generator for the production of electricity.

Tsitron shows an apparatus for generating electricity that includes aturbine, a generator connected to the turbine. A wind-guiding deviceincludes an inclined plane surrounded by side walls. The deviceintercepts a horizontal flow of wind and the inclined plane diverts theflow of wind upward to drive a vertically-oriented turbine at the top ofthe device.

Chio shows a tower type vertical axle windmill. A plurality of layersare stacked in an external housing with computer-controlled louvers inits exterior walls. Each layer includes a wind turbine connected to agenerator for the generation of electricity. The wind turbines comprisea plurality of arms with flaps that open or close, depending on theirposition relative to the wind in a manner similar to that of Ersoy,described above. The turbines also include a flywheel element to smoothout rotation and reduce vibration as the wind changes.

Sterling shows an injector venturi accelerated wind turbine. A venturistructure comprises a compression venturi inlet region, i.e., acylindrical region with decreasing radius at an entrance, followedaxially by a rear vacuum venturi region, i.e., a cylindrical region withincreasing radius, at its outlet. A plurality of vents in the rearvacuum venturi region admit passing air to speed the flow of air as itleaves the device. A propeller, connected to a generator, is positionedat the juncture of the compression and vacuum regions. The venturi andvent assembly speed the flow of air to the propeller for an improvementin aerodynamic efficiency that increases the amount of energy extractedfrom the wind.

The above references all teach extraction energy from the wind. Thefollowing reference teaches the harvesting of solar energy forconversion to electricity.

Baird shows a solar venturi turbine that includes an upwardly orientedventuri tube supported by a venturi support skirt. The tube includes avented, tapered thermopane glass enclosure that allows sunlight to passtherethrough and fall on a first, tapered centrifugal fan therewithin. Asecond, high-velocity fan is located above the first fan and a highpressure compressor is located above the second fan. A turbine with ashaft is located above the high pressure compressor section. The firstand second fans and the turbine are located in the neck of the venturi.The turbine's shaft is connected to an electrical generator forproducing electricity. A motor is used to start the apparatus.

The following references extract energy from both wind and sunlight.

Iskrenovic shows a dual wind-solar system comprising a wind turbinehaving a rotor with first vertically-oriented movable vanes withopenable/closeable slats for extracting energy from wind that enters theapparatus horizontally, and second, horizontally-oriented vanes forextracting energy from upwardly flowing, heated air. The rotor ismounted on a shaft that is connected to an electrical generator. Avented base member is designed to trap heat from sunlight, heating theair within and reducing its density so that convection carries the airupward where it impacts the second, horizontally-oriented set of scoops.Wind air enters the side of the apparatus, imparting energy to the firstset of scoops; thermal energy heats air in the base of the unit andsends air upward so that it imparts additional energy to the rotor via asecond set of scoops. All the air exits at the top of the apparatus.

Comandu shows a wind and solar energy collection system. A self-standingvertical structure resembles a very high chimney with a very large base.At the base is an air inlet for capturing wind. At the top of thechimney is an air outlet. Air, both ambient air and wind, is admittedthrough the air inlet at the base and expelled through an exit at thetop of the chimney by wind force and convection. A battery of electricalgenerators powered by propellers is positioned within the base in oneembodiment or the chimney in another embodiment. Air moving within thestructure causes the propellers to turn and drive the generators inorder to generate electricity. An optional bank of burners can addenergy to increase air flow at or near the base of the structure andreduce electrical output variations. An optional bank of solarcollectors contains a hydraulic fluid that is pumped through radiatorsat or near the base of the structure to further increase output. Theburners and pumps are under computer control. The base of the structureis optionally heated by sunlight, adding additional energy to theflowing air stream. A drawback of this system includes the use ofburners since they consume energy, rather than producing it.

Lee shows variations on a hybrid vertical axis energy apparatus thatharnesses multiple sources of energy including wind, solar (as in solarcells), and thermal updraft. His units can be connected together toincrease electrical output. Each unit comprises a large, cylindricalportion that rotates on an axial shaft that is connected to a generator.The top of the cylinder is domed and covered with solar cells. Theoutside surface of the cylinder is lined with vertical flashings forintercepting wind. The inner volume of the cylinder contains acorkscrew-like ducting that adds to the rotational momentum of theapparatus when thermal air currents are provided from below. A motorpowered by the solar cells is used to start the apparatus. Lee'svertical air flow path urges his entire apparatus to rotate. When windis blowing horizontally but there is no thermal updraft, Lee will beinefficient because rotation of the entire apparatus will force verticalflow of air through the corkscrew ducting, thereby wasting energy.

Lucy shows a wind energy system with structure similar to that ofCumings that is described above. In one embodiment, a teardrop-shapedhousing with front, rear, and side surfaces is rotatably supported on avertical shaft. The housing resembles a right-circular cylinder that hasbeen deformed by squeezing two opposite sides inward toward one-anotherso that the front surface narrows to a vertical line, while the rearsurface retains most of its original shape. The side surfaces formgradual contours from the front to the rear surface. Openings are cutinto the side surfaces and vertical air turbine rotors are installedtherein so that a radial portion of the rotor extends outside the sidesurface and is exposed to the wind while the remaining radial portion ofthe rotor extends inward from the side surface and is protected from thewind. Each rotor is connected to an electric generator. When wind ispresent, the narrow front surface of the teardrop-shaped housing pointsinto the wind and air passes along the side surfaces where it strikesthe exposed blades of the vertical turbines, urging them to turn.

Young shows an offshore, on-sea, compound renewable power plant thatproduces electricity by extracting energy from sunlight, wind, waves,ocean thermal gradients, and tides. A vertical axis wind power generatoris included. Further capabilities include an electrolysis-based hydrogengenerating system, a seawater desalination system, and a biomass dieselgeneration system. A plurality of marine platforms supporting apparatuswith these capabilities is envisioned. The output of all sources can becombined. While ambitious, this system suffers from the uncertainties ofwaves due to storms and the like.

Lockwood, Wohr, Quinn, Decker, Bair, Gaston, Boone, Diederich,Iskrenovic, and Ersoy all show single apparatuses, each with manycomponent parts. Failure of a single part can cause the entiregenerating apparatus to stop functioning. An alternative is to have asingle apparatus that comprises a plurality of power generating units sothat failure of one or two units will not significantly impact overallpower output of the whole apparatus.

Wind-only devices produce output only when wind is present. Solar-onlydevices produce output only when the sun shines on them with sufficientintensity. Wind and solar devices can be configured to surmount thesedifficulties, producing more output under varying conditions.

While each of the above systems may be suited for their particular use,all have one or more deficiencies as noted.

SUMMARY

I have discovered a new land-based design for a solar and wind energyextraction system that overcomes some limitations of the prior art. Nomotors, burners, or pumps are required. In one aspect an apparatuscombines a solar collection system and a wind collection system thatoperate independently. In another aspect, the solar collection system isaided by wind collection, however the two methods for extracting energyfrom wind and sun still operate independently of one-another. The windcollection system comprises a plurality of independentrotor-and-generator units so that if one unit fails, the system cancontinue to operate at near-full output. In other aspects, my wind andsolar collection systems are self-starting.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side, cut-away view of a first aspect of a basic powergenerator.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat absorbing enhancer used in thegenerator of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of fans or turbines used in thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a self-starting mechanism of the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of a second aspect of the basic powergenerator.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second aspect shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a group of rotors or turbines accordingto the second aspect.

FIGS. 9 to 13 show details of a wing which aids the second aspect inself-starting.

FIG. 14 shows the a power generator using the first and second aspectscombined.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 Rotor or turbine-   105 Post-   110 Beam-   115 Flow Containment Tower-   116 Inlet-   117 Outlet-   120 Windowed region-   125 Earth-   130 Salt or heat absorbent material-   135 Pipe-   140 Pump-   145 Fan-   150 Generator-   151 Clutch-   155 Strut-   160 Fan-   165 Cup-   170 Arm-   700 Shaft-   705 Wing-   710 Arm-   715 Bearing-   720 Pulley-   725 Generator-   726 Leads-   727 Controller-   728 Load-   730 Transmission-   735 Pulley-   740 Link-   800 Flap-   1000 Lines

DESCRIPTION—FIRST EMBODIMENT—EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM SUNLIGHT—FIGS. 1 TO5

FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of a power generator or converterthat is designed to extract energy from sunlight and wind. The main partof the generator is an inverted funnel-shaped, columnar structure orflow containment tower 115. A window or transparent region 120 (thebottom portion of tower 115 as indicated by the “Window” label) istransparent and the top portion above the window region is opaque.Region 120 is made of a material that passes solar radiation to theinside of tower 115 and traps longer wavelengths generated therein asthe solar radiation is converted to heat, in a well-known fashion, knownas the greenhouse effect. One or more air inlets 116 permit air fromoutside tower 115 to enter the region inside tower 115. An air outlet117 at the top of tower 115 permits air to leave tower 115.

In one version of the present aspect, a layer of earth 125 beneath tower115 supports a layer 130 of heat absorbent material such as sodiumchloride (salt), dark metal filings, and the like overlaid on earth 125.Layer 130 is used to trap heat that is generated by solar radiation thatpasses through window region 120 of tower 115. Earth 125 beneath saltlayer 130 also traps and stores heat that is conducted through layer130. Layer 130 is preferably made black in color, e.g., by the additionof a black material such as carbon, so as to absorb as much as heat aspossible. Alternatively, a black layer of material such as carbon can beapplied to the top of layer 130 with a similar result. In an alternateaspect, layer 130 is omitted and earth layer 125 remains and isoptionally coated with or mixed with a dark pigment, such as carbon.

Air adjacent earth layer 125, salt layer 130, and pipe 135 are heated bysolar radiation. In response, the density of the heated air decreasesand the air rises convectively within tower 120.

A plurality of fans or turbines 145 (FIGS. 1 and 3) are connected togenerators 150 and these are secured within tower 115 in verticallyspaced positions by a plurality of struts 155. The diameter of each fan145 is predetermined to be less than but very nearly equal to the innerdiameter of tower 115 so that rising air within tower 115 urges fans 145to turn instead of merely bypassing fans 145, as described below.

An additional fan 145′ and generator 150′ are located near the top oftower 115. In this case, the shaft of generator 150′ is also connectedto an external fan or turbine 160 (FIG. 4) above tower 115. In onealternative aspect, generator 150′ is similar to generators 150 exceptthat it includes a one-way clutch 151 (FIG. 5) between fan 160 andgenerator 150′ that permits fan 145′ and the shaft of generator 150′ torotate faster than fan 160. This ensures that fan 160 will not cause adrag on the rotation of fan 145′ in the event there is little or no windavailable to turn fan 160.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an addition to the generator of FIG. 1.The addition is a heat-absorbing enhancer pipe having a helical portionor section 135A and a return portion or section 135B. Section 135Bcontains a heat-trapping fluid, such as lightweight heat-tolerant oil,that further increases the heat-trapping capability of tower 115.Section 135A has a spiral shape that is submerged within layer 130 atthe outer portion of the spiral and rises above layer 130 at the innerportion of the spiral. Section 135B is a return path for oil from thecenter of spiral pipe 135A to the outer portion of section 135A. In oneaspect of this addition, a pump 140 (FIG. 1) circulates theheat-trapping oil through pipe sections 135A and 135B. In another aspectof this addition, pump 140 is eliminated and natural convection causesthe hottest portion of the heat-trapping oil to rise to the top ofsection 135A where it cools and then returns to the lowest level ofsection 135A via section 135B (FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of fans or turbines 145. All ofturbines 145 have angled blades and are designed to turn when urged byair that moves parallel to their axis of rotation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of turbine 160 which, as stated, is mountedatop tower 115. Turbine 160 comprises a plurality of cups 165 that areeach secured to a spoke or arm 170. Six cups 165 and arms 170 are shown,but more or fewer can be used. Turbine 160 is designed to turn whenurged by air that moves perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

The upper part of tower 115 can be made of (a) concrete, (b) a concretecomposite material containing air, fiberglass, plastic beads, and thelike, (c) metal, (d) a lightweight metal composite, or (e) a plasticcomposite or the like. Transparent bottom part or window 120 is made ofglass or a rugged plastic like polycarbonate. The bottom part of tower115 rests on earth or on a foundation, as indicated in FIG. 1. Fans 145and 160 are made from metal, plastic, and reinforced composite plasticmaterials. Generators 150 are connected to a power control unit (notshown) that combines their output and transmits it to a power grid (notshown). Pipe 135 is made of iron, steel, aluminum, or a metal alloy.

Tower 115 can be about 1 km (0.62 mile or 3281 feet) tall and hasdiameter of about 1 km at its base, although other sizes can beprovided.

First Aspect—Operation—FIG. 1

During daylight hours, solar radiation passes through window portion 120and strikes layer 130, warming it. As the air near layer 130 becomeswarmer than the air further up in tower 115, convective forces will urgethe air to move upward inside tower 115. Air moving upward inside tower115 passes through the volume occupied by fans 145 and urges them torotate, in turn rotating the shafts of generators 150 and generatingelectricity.

Pipe arrangement 135 and the heat-trapping fluid absorb heat from saltlayer 130 and conduct this heat to the center of tower 115, furtherwarming the air and increasing convective forces there.

Self-Starting Feature.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of turbine 160,generator 150′, and turbine 145. An optional clutch 151 is describedabove. If the solar collecting system has lain idle in cold conditions,on a winter night for example, cold air near the interior top of tower115 will be of sufficient density to prevent the upward convection ofair within tower 115, i.e., a temperature inversion exists. Thiscondition will prevent or at least delay the starting of upward air flowwithin tower 115. This situation is remedied by the combination ofexterior turbine 160 and turbine 145′ at exit 117 of tower 115.

Prevailing winds urge turbine 160 to rotate, in turn rotating turbine145′ since they share the same shaft. Turbine 145′ is oriented so thatas turbine 160 rotates, turbine 145′ urges air near the top of tower 115to leave via exit 117, thereby removing the temperature inversion in theair within tower 115. Free convection now occurs throughout the interiorof tower 115, from bottom to top.

Energy is thus extracted from sunlight by admitting solar energy to theinterior of tower 115 through window 120. The solar energy heats layer130, pipe arrangement 135, and earth 125. As it becomes warmer, air inthe vicinity of layer 130 decreases in density compared to the airfurther up inside tower 115 and convective forces urge the air upwardpast fans 145 and out through exit 117, causing fans 145 to rotate, inturn rotating the shafts of generators 150 and generating electricity.New air is admitted through vents 116 at the bottom of tower 115,allowing the process to continue.

Second Aspect—Description—Apparatus for Extracting Energy fromWind—FIGS. 6 to 12

A second aspect of the present system is also shown in the cut-away,side or elevational view of FIG. 6 and the top or plan view of FIG. 7.The structure of FIGS. 6 and 7 has seven vertical posts 105 (six forminga hexagonal perimeter and one in the center). FIG. 6 is taken at avertical plane as indicated by the line 6-6 in FIG. 7 and shows thecenter plane including the three posts in this plane, plus the two poststhat bound the top side of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the full, hexagonalarrangement of the various components comprising the present aspect.

In the present aspect, the seven vertical posts, poles or pylons 105 arespaced and parallel. Each adjacent two posts supports a plurality ofhorizontal beams 110 extending between the posts. As shown in FIG. 7,the posts of each pair have a different alignment from the posts of anyother adjacent pair so that a line between the posts of any pair has adifferent orientation that a line between the posts of any adjacentpair. Rotors or turbines 100 are layered in vertical groups betweenadjacent beams 110, as indicated in FIG. 6. Beams 110 are horizontallyoriented and are parallel to each other and have successively higherheights. Each pair of beams has plural turbines mounted therebetween sothat their axes of rotation (FIG. 8) extend between the beams of eachpair. The beams of each side of the hexagonal structure (FIG. 7) andtheir turbines are aligned vertically when seen from above. The sixouter sides form six obtuse angles between adjacent sides and the sixinternal radial sides extend from a common center junction, where eachside or set of beams has a multiplicity of horizontal beams withturbines between the beams of each pair. Each side or set of beams ismounted at an angle to its adjacent set or side when seen from above.Each level comprises a wheellike structure having six radial beams orspokes extending out from the common center junction to the six outsidebeams, which are arranged to form a six-part hexagonal rim.

Each layer of beams 110 may have 42 turbines, and each turbine mayconsist of a group of three wings (described below), although larger orsmaller groups can be used. These groupings are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 8 is a more detailed perspective view of a grouping of threeturbines 100 as they are mounted on a portion of one of beams 110. Eachturbine comprises a shaft 700, a plurality of wings 705, and an armassembly 710 that is rigidly secured to shaft 700 at its center and eachof wings 705 at the distal end of each arm. A first rotary bearingassembly 715A is rigidly secured to beam 110. The lower end of shaft 700is inserted into and supported by bearing 715A. A second bearingassembly 715B is secured to another of beams 110 (not shown here forclarity) that lies directly above the beam 110 to which bearing 715A issecured. Bearing 715B is positioned directly above bearing 715A. Theupper end of shaft 700 is inserted into bearing 715B. Shaft 700 freelyrotates in bearings 715A and 715B. A pulley 720 is firmly secured toshaft 700 a predetermined distance above bearing 715A and beneath thelower edge of wings 705.

An electrical generator 725 is secured to beam 110 a predetermineddistance from bearing 715A. A plurality of electrical leads 726 deliverenergy from generator 725 to a power controller 727 for furtherdistribution to an electrical load 728. A shaft (not shown) extendsupward from generator 725. A transmission assembly 730 is secured to andconcentric with the shaft of generator 725. Transmission 730 operates ina manner that equalizes the contribution of torque (discussed below)contributed from each of turbines 100A, 100B, and 100C to the shaft ofgenerator 725.

A linking element 740, such as a durable, flexible belt or chain, wrapssecurely around pulleys 720 and 735. In the case of a belt, pulleys 720and 735 are sheaves, i.e., they have a grooved rim; in the case of achain, pulleys 720 and 735 have sprockets.

Two additional turbine assemblies 100B and 100C are ganged together withturbine 100A and connected to respective pulleys that are secured totransmission 730. A triangular arrangement is shown in this example,although other arrangements can be used. Two beam sections 111 and 112extend at predetermined angles from beam 110 and support rotorassemblies 100B and 100C, respectively, in the same manner as for rotor100A.

Wings 705 are 25 m tall, with their other dimensions scaled as shown inFIG. 7. Arms 710 are of a predetermined length so that the diameter ofthe circular path of wings 705 is 45 m. Beams 110 are spaced apart 35 mvertically and turbines 100A, 100B, and 100C are spaced horizontallyapproximately 35 m from one-another. The center of each group of threeturbines (100A, B, and C) is at shaft 730 of generator 725. The shafts730 of each group are separated by 35 m, as can be best seen in FIG. 6.These dimensions are representative and other dimensions can be used.

Shafts 700, arms 710, and pulleys 720 are made of a sturdy metal and mayalternatively be made of a reinforced, high-strength plastic compositesuch as that sold under the trademark Zytel, by E.I. DuPont de Nemoursof Wilmington, Del., USA. Wings 705, including flaps 800, can also bemade of lightweight metal or a high-strength plastic composite material.

Generator 725 and the capacity of power controller 727 are sizedaccording to the maximum torque and speed delivered to the shaft ofgenerator 725, via transmission 730, by turbines 100A, 100B, and 100C inhigh-wind conditions.

Second Aspect—Operation—FIGS. 8 to 13

When turbines 100 (FIG. 7) are initially exposed to wind passingperpendicular to shafts 700 (FIG. 8) there is in general no impetus forthe turbines to turn in any particular direction since a first of wings705 is facing partially into the wind, a second of wings 705 on the sameturbine is facing partially away from the wind, and the third of wings705 is generally perpendicular to the wind. A starting mechanism isprovided in the wings to initiate rotation of turbines 100 in apredetermined direction. FIGS. 8 through 13 show one such startingmechanism.

Wing Detail—Self-Starting Aspect—Description and Operation—FIGS. 8Through 12.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of one wing 705 with a movable flap 800.Flap 800 is pivoted in wing 705 so that it can be in the open positionat an angle to wing 705 (FIGS. 9 and 10) or it can pivot to nest intothe body of wing 705 near its trailing edge (FIGS. 11 and 13). Themiddle of flap 800 includes a pivot shaft 805 that runs through flap 800and has ends that are secured to the ends of wing 705. A torsion spring810 surrounds pivot 805 and bears on both flap 800 and wing 705 and isarranged to urge flap 800 to the normally open or up position (FIGS. 9and 10). A stop 815 is positioned to stop the rotation of flap 800 at amaximum angle of about 20 degrees to the wing.

When there is no wind, a means comprising spring 810 urges flap 800 torotate to its uppermost or open position about pivot 805 (FIGS. 9 and10). When wind strikes one of wings 705 at its trailing edge, raised oropen flap 800 and the body of wing 705 trap or block wind. The air thusurges wing 705 to move forward, i.e., to the right in FIG. 10, orcounter-clockwise when FIG. 8 is viewed from above, thereby urgingturbine 100 to rotate. As turbine 100 rotates, the remaining two wings705 are sequentially oriented so that their flaps 800 also trap wind,eventually causing turbine 100 to spin at higher and higher speeds. Aswing 705 rotates, the open position of flap 800 produces a drag on therotary motion of the wing. Since flap 800 is no longer needed toaccelerate wing 705 in a forward direction in its circle of rotation, itcan now be lowered to improve the efficiency of turbine 100 as it turns.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of wing 705 moving forward in its circle ofrotation above a predetermined speed. Laminar flow of the air, i.e.,flow that is layered on the surface of wing 705, indicated by lines1000, urges flap 800 to pivot downward against wing 705, overcoming thetorque exerted by spring 810. The predetermined speed is determined atleast by the area of flap 800, the shape of wing 705, and the amount oftorsion produced by spring 810.

In FIG. 12 wing 705 is moving forward at an intermediate speed with theflap partially lowered. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of wing 705 shownmoving above the predetermined speed that causes flap 800 to fully lowerinto the body of wing 705.

Thus when there is no wind, turbines 100 in FIGS. 6 to 8 are stationary.At low wind speeds, flaps 800 block a part of the air flow striking theback of wing 705, thereby urging wing 705 forward in its circle ofrotation (FIG. 10) so that the turbine rotates. As each subsequent wing705 rotates into the same position, its flap blocks air flow and turbine100 is accelerated to the predetermined rotational speed. Above thisspeed, flaps 800 serve no purpose and in fact cause drag on the forwardmotion of wings 705. Laminar flow of air over wing 705 urges flaps 800to overcome the torque exerted by spring 810 so that flaps 800 are urgedto their full lower position within wing 705 (FIG. 11). When the windspeed decreases and turbines 100 turn at a speed below the predeterminedspeed, springs 810 in flaps 800 again rotate the flaps to their upper oropen position (FIGS. 9 and 10). Flaps 800 in wings 705 thereby operateto provide a self-starting feature for turbines 100.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION—COMBINED FIRST AND SECOND ASPECTS—FIG. 14

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional, cutaway view of the first and secondaspects combined. This arrangement combines the poles and fans of FIG. 6with the tower arrangement of FIG. 1. It conserves space and combinessome structural elements for extra strength. For example, posts 105 areeither supported by tower 115 or they pass through column 115 on the wayto the ground or foundation at the bottom of the two towers. Theuppermost portions of beams 110 are coplanar with the top of column 115so that wind can freely turn turbine 160. As mentioned, FIG. 7 shows theplacement of turbine 160 and exit 117 of column 115 with respect to thegroupings of rotors 100.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

I have provided an improved electrical power generating system andmethod. An inverted funnel-shaped, columnar tower that extracts energyfrom sunlight is surrounded by a plurality of rotors arranged in groupsthat extract energy from wind. In one aspect, both systems areself-starting and do not rely on the application of external motivepower. A significant advantage of the combined systems is the potentialfor delivery of electrical energy over 24 hours; the two systems operateindependently of one-another. Solar-powered apparatuses deliver energyonly in strong sunlight while wind-powered apparatuses can deliver atnight or on cloudy days. The height of the wind energy capturing systemplaces rotors where winds are strong and blow throughout much of a24-hour period. The design of the wind turbines is such that they do notrequire reorientation in order to face into the wind, i.e., the wind canapproach the turbines from any direction with equal effect.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope, but as exemplifications ofsome present embodiments. Many other ramifications and variations arepossible using the system and methods described. For example, turbinesin the wind-capturing aspect can be grouped in numbers other than three.Each turbine can have a dedicated generator. More or fewer fans withmore or fewer blades can be used in the solar energy capturing aspect.The sizes of the entire assemblies as well as most parts can be madelarger or smaller. The materials can be changed from those indicated andthe shapes of most parts can also be modified.

Thus the scope should be determined by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents, rather than the examples and particulars given.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for extracting energy from wind,comprising: a post-and-beam structure comprising a plurality of verticalposts and a pair of horizontal beams extending between said posts, saidpair of horizontal beams comprising first and second beams, each havingan upper surface and a lower surface and being parallel with one-anotherand spaced vertically by a predetermined amount, a plurality ofwind-responsive turbines mounted between said first and secondhorizontal beams, each turbine having a lower end and an upper end andhaving an axis of rotation secured between said upper surface of saidfirst horizontal beam and said lower surface of said second horizontalbeam by first and second bearings, respectively, said first bearingsecuring said lower end of each turbine's axis of rotation to said uppersurface of said first horizontal beam and said second bearing securingsaid upper end of each turbine's axis of rotation to said lower surfaceof said second horizontal beam, whereby said posts and beams can hold aplurality of turbines in the path of wind that will cause said turbinesto rotate within said bearings.
 2. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding: a generator secured to one of said first and said secondbeams, said generator being secured to the upper surface of said firstbeam or the lower surface of said second beam, said generator beingarranged to generate electricity when rotated, and a plurality of linksoperatively connecting said plurality of turbines to said generator,said links being arranged to communicate said rotation of said turbinesto said generator, whereby when said wind urges said turbines to rotate,said rotation is communicated to said generators by said links to forcesaid generators to rotate, thereby generating electricity.
 3. The systemof claim 2 wherein said links comprise: a transmission rotatablyconnected to one of said generators, a plurality of pulleys rotatablyconnected to said transmission, at least two of said turbines joined totwo of said pulleys using flexible linking elements, whereby when saidwind urges said turbines to rotate, said links communicate said rotationto said generator, thereby generating said electricity.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further including an inverted funnel-shaped structure adjacentsaid post and beam structure and including a plurality of turbinestherein and a second generator operably connected to said turbines so asto generate electricity by extracting energy from the convective flow ofair.
 5. The system of claim 4, further including means for combiningsaid electricity from said generator on said post-and-beam structurewith electricity from said second generator.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein said plurality of turbines comprises three turbines arrangedparallel to each other in a triangular configuration between said firstand second horizontal beams.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein saidpost-and-beam structure comprises at least three parallel vertical postsand at least three pairs of first and second horizontal beams extendingbetween each pair of adjacent posts, respectively, each pair ofhorizontal beams having a plurality of said wind-responsive turbinesmounted between the beams of each pair.
 8. The system of claim 7 whereinsaid post-and-beam structure comprises at least nine horizontal beams,with a set of three vertically stacked beams extending between each pairof adjacent posts, each set of three beams comprising first, second, andthird beams, said first and second beams of each set constituting afirst pair of adjacent beams, and said second and third beams of eachset constituting a second pair of adjacent beams, each pair ofhorizontal beams having a plurality of said wind-responsive turbinesmounted between the beams of each pair.
 9. The system of claim 8 whereinsaid plurality of turbines mounted between the beams of each paircomprises three turbines arranged parallel to each other in a triangularconfiguration.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said turbinescomprises: a. a rotatable, vertical shaft that is supported at its endsby a plurality of bearings, b. a plurality of arms extending radiallyfrom said vertical shaft at spaced angles around said shaft, each armhaving a proximal end attached to said shaft and a distal end remotefrom said shaft, c. a wing attached to said distal end of each of saidplurality of arms, said wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge,d. a movable flap rotatably secured to said wing at a point between saidleading and said trailing edges of said wing, said flap be mounted topivot rotatably between a predetermined angle above said wing and aposition lying substantially flat adjacent or against said wing, and e.a spring arranged to urge said flap to assume said predetermined angleabove said wing when wind flows past said wing below a predeterminedspeed, so that air will be impinge on said flap and cause said wing tomove with said wind and thereby cause said wing and said shaft to rotatein a predetermined direction of rotation, and when said wing movesthrough air in a predetermined direction at greater than saidpredetermined speed, said air will cause said flap to pivot back to saidposition lying substantially flat adjacent or against said wing.